Techniques for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Apartment Building Floor Plan Design: Ideas by Mumbai Architect

​One of the significant factors of a comfortable and healthy living environment is the indoor air quality of a home. With hot and humid climate draining the citizens of Mumbai, maintaining a clean air quality inside homes becomes imperative to ensure the well-being of the residents, especially in high-rise apartment buildings. Atelier ARBO, an architectural firm based in Mumbai, focuses on exploring various strategies that can help improve the indoor air quality of individual homes in a high-rise residential tower. 

Strategies to elevate the indoor air quality in apartment buildings:

1. Proper Ventilation: Ensuring that the house has adequate natural ventilation proves to be essential in enhancing the air quality. Incorporating large windows, exhaust fans, and air vents, can help in enhanced air circulation, reducing the accumulation of unwanted pollutants. Another highly beneficial technique is providing cross ventilation in a home by giving windows in adjacent walls. This ensures a regularized flow of air inside and outside the house. 

2.Use of Natural Materials: Opting for natural materials, like wood, bamboo, and stone, for the interiors of the apartment, leads to reduced heat and chemical emission which can be caused by other synthetic materials, hence leading to a healthier air quality. 

3. Adding plantations: Strategically placing lush green plantations inside the house, in window sills, and balconies, helps in purifying the air. The presence of green plants contributes significantly in cleaning the air that we breathe.

4. Air Purification Systems: Installing air purification systems, such as HEPA (High  efficiency particulate air) filters and air purifiers, can help remove pollutants and allergens from the air. Consider integrating these systems into the planning process of the apartment building.

5. Avoiding VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be emitted from various sources, such as paints, furniture, and cleaning products. When selecting materials for the apartment building, opt for low VOC or VOC-free options to minimize indoor air pollution.

6. Proper Waste Management: Apt segregation of waste and adequate waste management practices are essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. Ensure that the apartment building has separate designated areas for dry and wet waste disposal and recycling bins to prevent the accumulation of unwanted odors and pollutants inside the houses.

7. ​Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, exhaust fans, and air filters is crucial for ensuring that the desirable air quality is maintained. Developing a maintenance schedule and ensuring that these systems are cleaned and serviced regularly can help significantly. In conclusion, implementing these techniques can help improve indoor air quality in apartment building floor plan design, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents. As a Mumbai architect, it is important to prioritize indoor air quality in our designs to ensure that residents can enjoy a safe and pleasant living space.